It is often said that white cats are more likely than others to be deaf. This is a scientifically proven fact. However, the risk is more or less important depending on the color of their eyes, since deafness is a genetic defect linked to the color of the hair and eyes. Find out the reasons for this amazing phenomenon.
The deafness of the white cat: genetics at fault
A white-haired cat is more likely to be deaf than another. This peculiarity is explained by genetics, and more particularly by a genetic mutation. The W gene is involved, because it is what prevents the cells responsible for pigmentation from activating and functioning normally; as a result, the cat's coat does not color and remains white. However, it turns out that the W gene (for White gene) can, when active, cause the destruction of the cells of the organ of Corti, at the level of the inner ear, which causes deafness of the animal. This manifests itself from the first days after the kitten is born. This genetic anomaly is comparable to Waardenburg syndrome in humans. In this case also, the persons concerned have a dysfunction of the organ of Corti associated with an absence of skin pigmentation.
In addition, deafness is more or less frequent depending on the color of the cat's eyes. It is estimated that when a white cat has blue eyes, it has a 50% risk of being deaf. If he has minnow eyes, that is, a blue eye and a green or brown eye, he is 40% likely to be deaf. On the other hand, if none of his eyes is blue, the risk of deafness drops to 20%. Conversely, if all kittens are born with blue eyes, as in humans, it is estimated that 70% of cats with the W gene will keep this blue color as they grow.
Deafness in white-haired cats is therefore not systematic, as some have perfect hearing, and it is not always bilateral. Some cats with snow-colored coats are only deaf in one ear. And strangely enough, when these cats have minnow eyes, it is often the ear on the side of the blue eye that is deaf. Similarly, cats that do not have an entirely white coat, that is to say if it contains spots of another color, the animal does not have the W gene and therefore has very little risk of being deaf. However, some white cats are born with a patch of another color on the head; it is the color that the animal would have worn without the W gene. But in this case, this small spot disappears with age.
Finally, do not confuse white cats and albino cats. In the case of the latter, another genetic mutation is at work and these animals are not more deaf than normal.
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